Accordion Convention Website
2012 Convention Workshops and Presentations
Click the "Band" link in the title bar to see Band Camp activities.
The "House Concert" information is at the bottom of this page.
Murl Allen Sanders - Workshops and Orchestra Information
The Versatile Accordionist Workshop (Saturday 11:00 a.m.)
Performance tips for playing in different styles: jazz, blues, Brazilian, Irish, klezmer, modern folk, country etc. Murl will give examples and encourage questions and discussion about different styles. Jamming will be possible so bring your accordion.
Instant Zydeco (Friday 11:00 a.m.)
Learn the hallmarks of Cajun/Zydeco Louisiana-style music and be able to play it right away. This is fun music to play and the basics are easy! Bring your accordion! Topics include: Scales and chords used, tune examples, history, practice tips etc.
Orchestra Music: The music is on the web site now, just register for the convention and request the music packet.
Murl will be making personal visits and giving demonstrations in the Petosa/Gulietti/Roland sponsered performance center. Other vendors may schedule activies in this center.
Murl Allen Sanders is a college professor, free-lance musician, composer, teacher and recording artist who has been active in the Seattle area music scene and across the United States, Canada, England and Japan for over thirty years. He performs and records regularly with his own bands, as a soloist, and with numerous bands in the Northwest. Murl plays piano, accordion, B-3, electronic keyboards, harmonica, sings, teaches and composes music. He is in demand as a recording musician for film scores, advertisements and CDs. Murl latest CD is Murl's Holiday Favorites for solo accordion and small group.
Betty Jo Simon - Workshop Information
Musical Arrangements from Lead Sheets (Saturday 9:00 a.m.):
Ever wondered how to make your own arrangement from a simple melody line with chord changes? In her workshop Betty Jo will demonstrate how to create your own arrangements using simple tools. She will give tips on creating an interesting bass line, alternate chords, melody embellishments, interpretation, intros & extended endings. The material will give you principles to take home and start creating your own arrangements.
Thursday’s Band Camp two-hour Workshop for Advanced Performers
Hour 1: Commercializing Your Musical Talents (Thursday 12:30 p.m.)
During this presentation, Betty Jo will cover repertoire branding, finding paying jobs, setting rates, writing contracts, handling conflicts, and related topics.
Hour 2: Master Workshop (Thursday 1:30 p.m.)
Interested advanced accordionists will work directly with Betty Jo on perfecting musical selections. To develop listening and applications skills, audience members will participate by verbalizing what they learned by observing the lesson. This lesson is designed to be a learning experience for all parties, including Betty Jo.
Betty Jo Simon is delighted to return to the NAA to perform and give a workshop. At the NAA in 2004 she performed the 3rd movement of the Galla-Rini Concerto in g-minor with the festival orchestra under the direction of guest conductor, Gary Daverne. At this event Gary approached Betty Jo with the proposal to play the 1st movement of the Galla-Rini Concerto with his 80-piece Symphony Orchestra in Auckland, New Zealand. That idea came to fruition in 2009 when Betty Jo played three concerts with his symphony orchestra, the last being at the opening concert of the Coupe Mondiale being held at Takapuna, North Shore City, New Zealand. Betty Jo also leads a German Polka band, in and around Kansas City called The Alpen Spielers, They were featured at Wurstfest, in New Braunfels, Texas for many years. She was the featured soloist with the Fred Waring Pennsylvanians where she was introduced to her first electronic accordion and has been playing one ever since. Check out her website at: www.BettyJoSimon.com
Jamie Maschler - Workshop Featuring Tangos, Comping and Articulations
(Saturday 10:00 a.m.) Jamie writes: We will explore tango in its most traditional roots in Buenos Aries, Argentina. We will focus on the tango, milonga, and vals and learn how to tell the difference. We will also learn comping patterns, performance practices, and specific articulations used in the style.
Jamie Maschler is a unique member of Seattle’s music scene. Over eighteen years of experience in playing all styles of accordion has allowed her to explore jazz, tango, Latin, chamber, classical, pop, klezmer; solo and ensemble pieces. She Graduated in 2011 from Cornish College of the Arts with a Bachelor Degree of Music Performance.
Jamie has won several national and international accordion competitions for jazz, classical and original composition. She has recorded at some of the top studios in Seattle including: London Bridge, Elliot Bay, Studio X, Avast, Litho and Clatter and Din.
She starting her professional career at the age of 15 with a feature performance with the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra, she has recently shared the stage with music legends such as Jovino Santos Neto, Butch Morris, and Julian Priester. In March of 2011 Jamie performed at Beneroya Hall in Seattle with Michael York and the Lake Union Civic Orchestra for the centennial concert celebrating local composer Alan Hovaness. Also in 2011 Jamie performed at the Paramount Theatre as part of the Merce Cunningham MinEvent for the Merce Cunningham Legacy Tour. This Fall she performed as part of the pit orchestra for Spectrum Dance Theatre’s, “The Beast” directed by choreographer Donald Byrd. Jamie is curMarch 13, 2012ref="http://www.acedarsuede.com/" target="_blank">
Cory Pesaturo
Hank Thunander - Workshop on 17 Styles of Polka Music
(Friday 1:30) Hank Thunander will do a work-shop on the different ethnic styles of polkas. Did you know how many Varieties there are? Hank will show and play everything from Swedish to Italian, Mexican to the various styles within the Slovenian Genre and everything in between. Feel free to bring a recorder with you so you can recapture these interesting items of Polka tidbits. He will also answer specific questions as he proceeds in the lesson.
Check out the Hank Thunander Polka Web site
Performance Evaluations Salon A: Earn an NAA Ribbon
For 2012, we are offering an opportunity for conventioneers to be evaluated for performance skills. To participate, be ready to perform any single musical selection. You will be allowed to tell the professional evaluators how you want to be evaluated (restaurant, concert artist, polka show, solo, etc.). . Similar events, such as the Roland Star Search and the Thursday Master Workshop by Betty Jo Simon, will also be scheduled during the convention. The first evaluation is free; after that the evaluation session is $10 per evaluation. Register early for a time slot natlaccordion@sbcglobal.net
The Duo: Is this Workshop "Reading Your Audience" or "The Battle of Polka vs. Jazz"?
Hank Thunander and Nick Ballarini Duo (Friday 3:30 p.m.) :
1. How to read your audience
2. Public interest Issue: What is more popular Polka or Jazz?
Norman Seaton is the "creative creator" of this most unique 50-minute workshop. Good ole Norm will be working with Hank, Nick, and audience members to keep this demonstration lively. As several of you know, neither of these two creative (and competitive) accordionists really need any help from Norman. So this will be a uniquely creative workshop without a predictable ending.
Paul Betken - Music Law 101 Workshop
(Friday 2:30 p.m.) A contemporary overview of music publishing, and copyright laws affecting the student and performing musician.
This will be an informative practical workshop for the novice and professional.
Paul will discuss some basic issues he faced while recording a couple of the songs on his new CD. Paul writes: I composed one of the songs; my friend composed another song. Both songs will be recorded on my CD. My friend joins me by playing my song on the CD; I join him by playing his song on the CD. How do we protect our individual compositions and performances from each other and/or the public? What if the CD takes-off and becomes extremely profitable? “Hey, it’s my CD and I paid for it,” but, “it’s my song” relates my friend.
Can I record a “cover” song on my CD? What do I need to know when performing songs at ye old dance hall? Who do I owe and how much? What are you doing copying my song? There are a myriad of topics you always wanted to know and indeed need to know.
This is a presentation given by an accordionist/lawyer. Paul Betken, Esq. J.D. who has more than 35 years of experience in the entertainment, restaurant and hospitality industry.
Roland Accordion Workshops
Both Tatiana Semichasnaya and Steve Albini will be conducting demonstration workshops called the "Roland Hour." Ian Fries and Shelia Lee will be conducting a FR-7X session. The 2012 Roland V-Accordion Star Search will be ongoing in the Roland area. Roland artists will be advising V-Accordion owners on programming techniques and how to use the Roland instrument correctly. Training sessions will include bellow techniques and using sound modules within the correct range). Roland USA will be sponsoring Tatiana Semichasnaya and Steven Albini .
http://www.rolandconnect.com/FR-18 diatonic
Nick Bratkovich - Macedonian Folk Dance Workshop
Friday 10:00 a.m.) Nick Bratkovich, who now resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma, began playing the accordion at age 6 and started his first band at age 13. He enjoys recording music in his home studio and performing for folk dances and music festivals in Wisconsin, Oklahoma and Texas. He specializes in Serbian and Balkan folk music.
Nick Bratkovich will perform in the National Polka Dance while Molly B takes a break .
During the workshops, Nick will be teaching an intermediate level Macedonian folk dance named Bitola at his workshop. The music is in 7/8 time signature, typical of dances from that region. Sheet music will be provided to all in attendance.
Gordon Kohl: Workshop on Polka Pointers
(Friday 9:00 a.m.) Four decades playing the accordion in a professional polka and dance band has given me a lot of music tricks. Today in this workshop I will share with you a set of tricks to apply to intros and endings for polkas your favorite schuhplattler and waltz. Bring a recorder pen or pencil and I will provide the music. I promise to give a lot of improvisational pointers for your polka music. This festival I will even show up in my Tyrolean outfit! See you at the convention.
Kohl will be directing in the Band Camp and holding this workshop on Friday.
Mario Pedone - Musical Technique Workshop and Computerizing Your Own Music
Mario Pedone – Technique Musical (Saturday 2:00 p.m.)
Often considered to be the master of the accordion keyboard! Mario’s music technique is unique to Mario. When he plays – his music just radiates! Come and learn more than just technical drills. Mario has an entire collection of fantastic exercises that emphasizing clean / precise fingering and most of all bringing out what the music is supposed to say!
Mario Pedone – Composing and Writing Music using Your Computer (Thursday 2:30 p.m.)
You haven’t seen one of the over 25 collections of songs that Mario has arranged??? He can crank out a “BOOK A DAY”!!!! It is all in his “arranging” method and in the computer software he uses. He will provide you information for purchasing your own computer software.
Ian Blair Fries - Medical School 101 for Accordionists (Friday 2:30 p.m.)
I have been asked to repeat my original workshop of five years ago. In fifty minutes we will sample medical school classes in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and therapeutics. The focus will be on the hand while playing the accordion; I will stress strategies to avoid hand injury, understanding hand limitations, and common hand disorders.
As this is a hands on presentation, it is requested you bring two hands and at least one thumb (preferable the right thumb), and anything wrong with your hands for demonstration purposes. Prior students are welcome to audit, but must refrain from informing first year students of the final examination questions.
Dr. Fries is a board certified orthopedic and hand surgeon, and member of the Flying Musicians Association. He has consulted with accordionists all over the country on hand and orthopedic conditions affecting their ability to play. He is thankful for the many NAA friends who have generously helped improve his accordion playing and enjoyment of music.
"Ian Blair Fries, M.D." ibfmd@cybercomm.net
Jessica Faltot: Business Relationships Workshop
(Thursday 4:30 p.m.) Working as an accordionist, what is the relationship you should have between the public as well as with the business owner? Often times we need to understand our role is more than just entertaining: It is showing up with the right songs and skills to play them. We need to know who our audience is and develop a program that focus' on their likes, not ours and we need to develop a marketing plan that will give the business owner more business. Part of our job is to bring in the business, as well as keeping the business that the owner has developed.
Nick Ballarini - Bass (hands-on) Workshop
(Saturday 3:30 p.m.) Nick explores the 120 Stradella Bass possibilities, strumming, walking-bass, chords, forming chords, a very effective way to practice scales, Bass/Chord accompaniment, how to choose the correct chords, dotted eighth note patterns, what good are the bass and chords when playing with a rhythm section, emulating string bass and/or a guitar, practice patterns for broken chords on bass. How to make your performances more interesting. What is a C or B Griff on bass and Treble and how they can be beneficial.
Faltot Famous Circle of Champions opens with a Frank Marocco Tribute!
Thursday 8:30 p.m.) While we are all somewhat familiar with the mysterious crop circles, however at this year’s exploration of circles at the National Accordion Associations 25th Annual Convention and Trade Show you will find only accordionists that among the world’s best, brightest and oftentimes humorous gathered for a night of fun in our own entertaining and equally amazing Circle of Champions!
Playing in a relaxed setting, among the NAA attendee’s, this up close and personal evening provides a different view of some of your favorite performers. A time to experiment, have fun and most importantly share the beauty of our wonderful instrument – we invite you to join us for the third annual “Circle of Champions” as it promises to be a special 25th Anniversary edition.
Daniel Kott - St. Patrick's Day Celebration
(Saturday 10:00 a.m.) Daniel Kott: MECCA St. Patrick's Day Celebration featuring techniques for playing Celtic fiddle tunes, Old time square and contra dances, Irish and Irish American songs, bluegrass jam sessions. tune/song structure of A and B parts consisting of 16 measures as applied to dances. Titles include The Girl I left Behind, Irish Washerwoman, Soldiers Joy and Americana tunes such as Turkey in the Straw, and Oh Susanna.
Other melody and rhythms instrumentalist can be included such as Irish tin (penny) whistle, fiddle, cello, bass, and hand drums such as Bodhran. Music booklets will be available, and posted on the Texas Accordion Net social network or www.texasaccordionnet.ning.com review and study prior to the convention.
Performance Time: (Saturday 11:00 a.m.) Musician who attended the training session are encourage to play for the dance training session. As Dr. Kott trains the dancer, you will be performing dance music that includes old time square, contra and clogging dancing. Only at the NAA can you get this kind of training and experience.
Debra Peters - Swingin’ Blues Accordion Band!
(Friday 9:00 a.m.) Play in DEBRA’S SWINGIN’ BLUES ACCORDION BAND! An all-full-out-fun-hour of a roots & blues accordion orchestra, led by Debra Peters. This band will be formed with the attendees of the National Accordion Association 2012 convention! Everyone of any skill level of accordion playing is invited! We’ll play 2 songs. One song in the Key of G and the other song will be in the Key of F. Everyone who wants to be in the band can be in the band! No sheet music required. No worries...no one will be required to play a solo! Let Deb show you how you can play the blues with only one key/button! If you do WANT to play a blues solo, then you will! All Diatonic and Chromatic Button Box accordionists are invited to join in with the piano accordionists. Bring your swingin’ accordion to this workshop and let ‘er rip!
http://www.debrapetersmusic.com
Shelia Lee - 2012 Convention Activities and Workshops
Musical Jeopardy Game
(Saturday 3:30 p.m.) Envision a floor sized game board, YOU are the playing piece, your team rolls a 1’ large cube dice and your team helps you answer music questions from 6 musical categories. When answered correctly – the race is on for HOME. Questions and Answers will be posted to the internet for your study!
Rhythm & Note Counting - (Friday 10:00 a.m.)
Learn to read and COUNT simple to advanced rhythmic notation. This workshop is designed for the advanced beginner to intermediate music student.
- Timing and coordination (Counting within a meter)
- Knowledge of rhythmic notation (whole to sixteenth note patterns)
- Rhythm reading and writing fluency
There are four activities: (use of various percussion instruments will add to the fun!)
- Play along - listen to and see a rhythm in standard notation while you clap along.
- Repeat after - listen to a rhythm and clap it back on the same pulse.
- Reading - given a pulse, read and clap from notation.
Shelia Lee will be managing the Hohner Accordion Trade Show area. Both youth and adults are encouraged to stop by and to take a beginner lesson on either the button or piano accordion. This picture was recently taken at Houston Accordion Performers Music studio – operated by Heritage Arts Productions where Shelia & 4 other instructors teach over 100 students on keyboard accordion, button, & chromatic accordion as well as bajo, bass & guitar.
Shelia’s button students will be looking for performance opportunities. One of her button instructors, Danny Blanco won Roland’s diatonic National title last year and will be at the convention to showcase the new Roland Fr18.
Ian Blair Fries and Shelia Lee - Roland FR-7X Accordion Technicalities
(Saturday 10:00 a.m.) This workshop will focus on the operation and configuration of the Roland FR-7X Virtual Accordion. The complexity of the instrument may seem daunting, the written manual less then explicit, the LED screen cryptic, and playing difficult. However, the accordion can be approached systematically. We will discuss accordion setup, navigating the menus, and producing the best tones. Bellow configuration, modes, sets, register links, and editing all influence the way the accordion sounds.
This is important - please bring your FR-7X to the workshop. You will learn the most if your hands are embracing the instrument.
About 80 percent of the discussion will also apply to the Roland FR-7. So please come no matter which of these wonderful instruments you play.Our goal is to have you leave the seminar with a better sounding and more enjoyable instrument.
Arlyn Visentin - Your Fifteen Minutes of Fame - Repeated Performance
Your Fifteen Minutes of Fame (ongoing escitement)
moderated by Arlyn Visentin
Did you bring your accordion to the convention and then leave it hidden away in your hotel room? Go get it because YOUR Fifteen Minutes of Fame is about to come to pass! Arlyn calls this a “show and tell” opportunity for you to introduce yourself and your treasured instrument to those in the audience. We want to know a little about you—where you are from, how you became interested in the accordion, why you enjoy the accordion, or perhaps a memory or current experience related to the accordion. We want you to demonstrate your accordion for us so “we can have the chance to hear the accordion ‘speak,’” even if it’s only a note or two. Remember that we “are there to help each other” . . . from the beginning hobbyist to the talented virtuoso.”
House Concerts: Seaton and Warzusen
A house concert is a musical performance presented in someone's home, normally using either a guitar or a piano but seldom an accordion. This is NOT a private party! These concerts are considered as “performance art” and often supported with hotel tax funds. While this “concert circuit” is not well-known in Dallas, it is popular in surrounding areas. This workshop will propose ways of adding accordions to this “private” circuit and expanding musical opportunities for NAA members. Workshop presenters are Chett Warzusen and Norman Seaton.